Chapter 7
7
‘Dad, why is that woman staring at you?’ Avery nudged Dylan’s arm.
He looked around, his eyes locking with Rowena’s. Her face was softer, those curves of hers he’d always found so attractive a little more generous. The hair, though, and her bright, flowing outfit were the same splash of colour he remembered. ‘She’s an old friend of mine,’ Dylan answered. ‘Why don’t the two of you go and grab us a table and I’ll be over in a minute?’
‘Can’t we meet her?’ Avery asked, full of curiosity.
Though it would be easier to use the children as a shield, there were things the two of them needed to say to each other. Things that should’ve been said a long time ago. ‘Do as I ask, please.’ He didn’t play the ‘stern father’ card often, but his tone said it wasn’t a request.
‘Come on, Avie,’ Theo said, tugging his sister by the hand. ‘There’s a table over there near the window.’ He glanced back at Dylan. ‘Take your time, Dad, we’ll be fine.’ There it was again, that streak of empathy that ran right through his son’s core.
Dylan waited until the kids had moved away before turning his attention back to Rowena. She hadn’t moved from the spot, and didn’t look as if she had any intention of doing so even after he sent her an encouraging smile. Looked like it was up to him then. He took a step forward and then another and another until they were separated by less than a couple of feet. ‘Hey, Ro’, it’s good to see you.’
‘Is it?’ Her voice wasn’t much more than a whisper.
He nodded. ‘Yeah, it really is.’ Time to bite the bullet. ‘How’s Zap?’
‘He’s okay.’ Her lips quirked in a wonky smile. ‘Worried to death about seeing you again.’
Dylan raised a hand to rub at the sudden pain in his heart. ‘He has no need to be.’ He closed the distance between them and touched her hand. Just the merest brush of fingers. ‘Everything’s good between us, Ro’, I promise. I’m sorry I stayed away so long. I didn’t do it to punish you.’
Her throat bobbed around a visible swallow. ‘We missed you.’
‘I missed you too. All of you, but the longer I stayed away, the harder it was to reach out.’
She glanced down at where their fingers were still barely touching. ‘You’re home now, and that’s all that matters.’ When she looked up, tears glistened on her dark lashes like diamonds. ‘Have you been happy, though?’
He nodded. ‘Yes. I sulked around for a few years, but then I met a wonderful woman who helped me get back on track. Our marriage didn’t last the course, but we have two brilliant children together.’ Dylan tipped his head towards the table where Avery and Theo were pretending to play with their phones, but he could tell they were watching everything.
Rowena glanced over her shoulder. ‘Is that them?’ When she turned back her expression had softened into one of sympathy. ‘I’m sorry about your divorce.’
Dylan shrugged one shoulder. ‘Don’t be. It was a long time ago and the best thing for all of us. Come and say hello to the kids.’
He led Rowena over to the table. ‘Hey, guys, this is your aunt Rowena. She and I were at university together a lo-o-o-ong time ago.’
Theo immediately stood and offered his hand. ‘I’m Theo. It’s really good to meet you.’
‘You too, Theo.’ Rowena looked from him to Dylan. ‘He’s the spitting image of you.’
Dylan grinned as he ruffled his son’s hair. ‘If people keep telling him that, the poor boy will get depressed!’ He held out a hand to Avery as she came around from the other side of the table. ‘And this beautiful angel is my daughter, Avery.’
Avery made a gagging sound. ‘Honestly, Dad, you’re so embarrassing.’
‘Hey, it’s my job,’ Dylan said with an unrepentant laugh.
Giving him the kind of look of disdain only a teenage girl could manage, Avery deliberately turned her back on him to face Rowena. ‘Hello! You run this place with Aunt Stevie, right? It’s so amazing, I love everything about it!’
Rowena smiled at her. ‘That’s right. I look after the spa and organise the art classes. We’re going to make a centrepiece tomorrow if that’s something you’d like to help out with? And if you want a massage or a manicure and pedicure…’ she quickly glanced over to Dylan, clearly seeking his permission, and he nodded his approval ‘…then it’ll be my treat. Consider it an early Christmas present.’
Avery lit up. ‘That would be great, thanks, Aunt Rowena!’
Rowena turned to Theo. ‘What about you, dear? I know young men are much better at taking care of themselves these days – can we tempt you with one of our specially designed men’s facials?’
Theo shook his head. ‘No, thanks, but I’m definitely up for the art session tomorrow.’
‘Oh, yes, me too!’ Avery piped up. ‘What about you, Dad?’
Dylan shook his head. ‘I’ve got a few things I need to do in the morning, if you guys will be okay with Rowena?’
‘I’ll be happy to keep an eye out, though you both look more than capable of looking after yourselves. You’ll have the chance to meet your cousin Ben, as well, as he’ll be helping out. Now, will you excuse me as we’re going to do a bit of briefing in a minute?’
Dylan touched Rowena’s arm as she turned to go. ‘I’d like to see Zap in the morning. Will you let him know?’
She nodded. ‘I think that’ll be good for both of you. He’ll be in the distillery from about nine as usual. It’s part of The Old Stable Yard complex – do you remember where that is?’
‘I saw a sign for it as we were driving in earlier. I’ll find my way. You sure about the kids tomorrow?’
‘Of course.’